Duncan Taylor unveils 54YO Highland Park

Aberdeenshire-based Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has released the oldest independent bottling of Highland Park single malt: The Accolade 54-year-old.

Part of Duncan Taylor’s Rarest Collection, the inaugural edition of The Accolade is a 54-year-old Highland Park from 1970. It marks the oldest age statement Highland Park release by an independent bottler. The series is dedicated to Duncan Taylor’s most exquisite spirits from its Rarest Collection, with each whisky bottled at its 'most captivating and powerful state with a rarefied elegance and depth of character'. Drawn from a single cask #3254, the 54-year-old Highland Park single malt release is limited to 158 bottles. It is offered at 42.9% ABV and displays 'a deep, multi-faceted nose, a rich, creamy finish and a hint of delicate spice'. The Accolade is showcased in a cabinet adorned with a dynamic wave. The whisky itself is displayed in a hand-crafted dagger decanter, accompanied by a themed illuminated copper plinth. A certificate of authenticity and a handling kit containing gloves are placed on either side of the cabinet. Duncan Taylor has owned the Highland Park cask since its inception. The company has carefully aged it in Sherry-seasoned oak casks for more than half a century in its vaults at its Huntly headquarters. Shawn Smith, CEO of Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, commented: “This is the last collection for our rare and aged whiskies this year. It is an honour to launch one of the oldest Highland Park whiskies to reach the market and present it within the luxurious packaging befitting the rare spirit inside.” The Accolade Highland Park 1970 is priced at £22,000 (US$28,700) and is available from The Spirits Embassy online store. Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist. It was established as a cask broker and trading company on 27 May 1938. Earlier this year, the independent bottler debuted its Journey of the Octave line, released two rare Macallan's as part of the Rarest Reserve series and also unveiled a 60-year-old Lochside blended whisky.